)
Natasha Facci embarked on a two-week ‘Gone Fishing’ immersion in East Africa in 2023. Natasha’s journey, supported by BildGroup, exposed her to the stark realities and inspiring resilience of local communities and the necessity for community consultation.
Initially overwhelmed by the challenges, Natasha’s perspective swiftly shifted as she witnessed firsthand the transformative work of ERFA project partners. She remarks,
Meeting families and small business owners (benefificiaries of ERFA), highlighted the resilience, strength, and soul of these local communities.
The immersion experience served as a poignant reminder of the stark disparity in living conditions, contrasting the privileged access to amenities in Australia with the scarcity faced by many in East Africa. Despite the adversity, Natasha found inspiration in the unwavering spirit of the local communities.
The smiles, generosity of spirit, entrepreneurship, and
resourcefulness of the locals emphasised the power of
community and the ability to make every cent count.
Despite relentless hardship, communities clearly prospered when they had ownership of project design. Natasha’s immersion experience challenged her preconceptions and expanded her understanding of the complexities surrounding community development and the importance of community engagement in project design.
